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But in March, Mr Wright was baffled when officers from North Wales Police arrested him over the incident using a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and held him overnight at his local police station.

Police told Mr Wright that a court summons had been sent to the hotel he had been staying at in Malia calling for his appearance at a Greek court over charges of joyriding and criminal damage.

GETTY

Paul was on holiday in Crete when the collision took place

But Mr Wright had already vacated the hotel and the summons was never forwarded to him.

In his absence, he was convicted of the charges.

He has now been told that he owes £3,500 to Greek authorities to have the warrant withdrawn or may face extradition to serve a 15-month jail term in Greece.

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The family man now faces the prospect of extradition

This is ridiculous. I face having my entire life stripped away from me for something so minor. I’m scared - I don’t know what is going to happen to me or my family

Paul Wright

The father, who says he is unable to work due to a spinal condition, is now planning to fight the case at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on November 1.

Mr Wright, whose wife Ceri is pregnant with their third child, said: “This is ridiculous. I face having my entire life stripped away from me for something so minor. I’m scared - I don’t know what is going to happen to me or my family.

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“I was in utter shock when the police turned up at my doorstep and arrested me for something that happened 13 years ago. I didn’t do anything wrong and can’t pay the £3,000 charge to make this case go away. Anyway, that would be an admission of guilt.”

Mr Wright’s case has gained the support of David Hanson, MP for Welsh constituency Delyn, who commented that it is not reasonable for a person to be convicted in their absence with no opportunity to defend themselves.

He said: ”There are some serious questions which need to be answered.”